So there’s different curriculums  in SNHS. These are STOC, SPA, SPJ and BEC. I am a student in the STOC or STE program and is currently struggling to stay. So today I will share few things to do and to not do for you to avoid being a student like me and to survive the STE program 😉

1.) UNDERSTAND, INSTEAD OF MEMORIZE!

This, for me, is the only thing keeping me from being removed from the STE program. I never study yet I can still recall a few ideas from our lessons. This is especially useful if you forgot one key idea. Imagine you just kept memorizing facts without understanding them, if you forget one then you’ll get lost. But if you understand them, then it’ll be like solving a math equation! You’ll use what you know to get what you don’t know.

2.) READ, LEARN, REPEAT!

Your brain can’t save all the data in the long term in just one go, it needs regular repetition to finally understand the data. And don’t stop ’til you understand the idea.

3.) NO STRESS!

Studies show that frequent stress and cortisol levels are directly proportional. So the more you get stressed the more cortisol your adrenal cortex produces. Cortisol is a stress hormone that clouds an individuals’ ability of clear thinking. In serious cases, this may lead to degraded brain function, shrinking of the brain, fewer brain connections and smaller neurons; particularly prevalent in the areas associated with learning and memory. So put this in mind: “The more you get stressed, the dumber you’ll be” So turning into games to relieve you of that stress might just be a good idea.

4.) MEDITATE

I personally don’t do this, but would love to, if only time agrees. Meditation is a great way to relieve ourselves of stress, improve our concentration skills and give us lots of time to think. A regular session is highly beneficial to your student life; some famous artists even meditate to obtain new ideas for their works. So just sit down, forget everything and THINK!

5.) GET SOME SLEEP!

It is eminent that students these days are always deprived of their sleep because of homework, outputs, performance tasks, etc. Though you always finish everything you need to do, you exhaust yourself; then the next day you won’t function properly. AVOID THIS! Always get that 7 to 8 hrs. of sleep or more. Sleep is crucial in our lives. Sleeping serves to recharge your body and mind. Lack of sleep may lead to more impulsive behavior, slower reaction time and reduced perceptive and cognitive ability. So, no matter what, catch those Z’s!!

6.) BE PUNCTUAL!

Passing your outputs on time is the key to become a model student in STE. Never procrastinate, always start your tasks and finish them as soon as you can.  Punctuality is a key trait present in top students. This also helps you avoid doing all your outputs in one sleepless night. Help yourself out by leaving that couch and start getting things done!

6.) STAY ORGANIZED!

Students with organized materials always remain on top. They always now what to do and when to do it. Being organized is also the key in overcoming various subjects such as Mathematics; always have a clear and easy-to-read equation.

7.) TAKE NOTES, NOT THE WHOLE!

Don’t write the exact words your teacher speaks. Paraphrasing is a very effective way that helps you remember chunks of information even if you didn’t read or repeat it. It’s just another way to check if you’ve truly understood the lesson taught to you. Just grab your pen, write the main topic and write briefly explain it below.

8.) LISTEN!

Students don’t usually pay attention to class discussions. They just take a picture of the lesson and talk with their seatmate; don’t be like this! Class discussions are the most effective ways for you to help understand the lesson. It’s better to understand the lesson without notes than the opposite and best to have them both.

9.) PARTICIPATE!

Listening to class discussions is good and all, but to participate is even better in so many levels. Recitation is under performance tasks which in today’s K-12 curriculum is usually 40% while written works plus the PT each makes up 20% of your grade. So don’t be shy and tell the class what you think!

10.) OPEN UP AND SHARE!

“Open-mindedness is a feature of a good researcher”, our teacher once told us. Your ideas may be right but always give space for opinions and improvements. Give respect to the suggestion of others; who knows that thought might even open up to some even wilder ideas!

11.) LEARN TO LOVE SCHOOL

Admit it. We hate school. But it shouldn’t be that way! Motivation is the key to success. This is evident if you know me; I never study yet I still get good grades in complex subjects like Biotechnology or Science. But I struggle in subjects like ESP and AP. It’s all just a matter of interest. Don’t play favorites like me and I assure you that you’ll get good grades on all subjects!

12.) SOCIALIZE!

Friends are the best things about school. You get to be surrounded by people with a similar mindset to you. Choose your friends wisely. Remember to stay in a good crowd that guides you, helps you and improves you. True friend give school meaning 😉

13.) TEACH YOURSELF!

Just go and love learning. If you love a subject then excel in it; don’t just focus on one aspect and neglect the others. Learn how to piece the ideas together. Learn how to make connections. Not only should you be taught by teachers but you yourself must teach yourself. This gives you a huge advantage towards others. Don’t be afraid to raise questions. Don’t be content on what you learn in school, explore various ideas and experiment with them. And don’t be afraid to make mistakes, a great man once quoted “A person who never made a mistake, Never tried anything new” This is how smart people started.

So that’s it! A few ways that might help you in school. Thank you so much for reading! Stay tuned for more!